A System on the Brink
Mohd Rafique Rather
Jammu and Kashmir’s health care sector is once again under public scrutiny—this time, not due to lack of resources alone, but because of the growing number of reported deaths allegedly caused by medical negligence and systemic mismanagement across government-run hospitals. From premier institutions like Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) to District Hospitals, alarming incidents are surfacing almost every week, triggering public outrage and widespread concern over the collapse of an essential public service.
Recently, a female doctor was reportedly injured during a scuffle inside a medical institution in Jammu, raising questions about the safety of healthcare professionals and the deteriorating work environment. But beyond isolated incidents of violence or chaos, the underlying issue is a deep-rooted failure of the system itself.
One glaring example of this institutional decay can be seen in several newly established Government Medical Colleges across Jammu and Kashmir. Patients and attendants frequently complain of unhygienic conditions, especially deplorable washroom facilities. These hospitals struggle with a chronic shortage of staff, leading to long wait times, rushed consultations, and poor post-operative care. Despite repeated public complaints and media reports, little has changed on the ground, and these institutions continue to reflect the larger systemic neglect.
Adding to the already chaotic situation is a new and troubling trend—elected MLAs have started visiting hospitals and medical colleges, not to address problems but merely to showcase their presence and stay politically relevant. These visits, often unplanned and purely symbolic, disrupt the working environment and add pressure to hospital staff. Ironically, many of these politicians are well aware that they lack both the authority and the intent to implement any real change in the health sector. These superficial gestures serve no purpose other than optics, while patients continue to suffer due to lack of genuine intervention.
This is not an isolated case. Most District Hospitals across Jammu and Kashmir are facing similar or worse conditions. Infrastructure is outdated, critical medical equipment is either non-functional or absent, and the doctor-patient ratio is dangerously low. In such an environment, expecting quality care becomes a distant dream. Tragically, many patients who come with the hope of being cured end up losing their lives, allegedly due to avoidable errors or delays in treatment.
One of the most critical issues plaguing the health sector is the unchecked private practice by government doctors. While the law prohibits it during working hours, the ground reality tells a different story. A significant number of doctors prioritize their private clinics over their public responsibilities, often leaving hospitals understaffed during peak hours. This unethical dual practice not only compromises patient care but also erodes public trust in government institutions.
Equally concerning is the growing trend of brain drain among qualified healthcare professionals. Young doctors and specialists prefer to move to Private sector, out of the region—or even the country due to poor infrastructure, lack of career growth, inadequate security, and the absence of modern diagnostic tools in government hospitals. Those who remain often feel demoralized and overburdened, caught between a crumbling system and the rising expectations of the public.
The government, unfortunately, appears to be either unaware of or indifferent to the gravity of the situation. Instead of proactive policy reforms or infrastructure investment, what we often see is a cycle of blame-shifting and cosmetic changes. Health should be a priority sector, yet it receives neither the political attention nor the budgetary support it critically needs.
The public, meanwhile, is paying the price. Social media is flooded with videos and posts exposing the failures of the system—patients lying on the floor, attendants pleading for doctors, and stories of lives lost due to negligence or delay. The growing public outcry is not just an emotional reaction but a desperate plea for accountability and reform.
To address this crisis, the administration must begin by acknowledging the scale of the problem. It must invest in better infrastructure, hire adequate staff, enforce strict regulations against unethical practices, and create an environment where doctors feel motivated to serve. If immediate action is not taken, the consequences could be catastrophic—not just for the patients, but for the entire healthcare ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir.
The time for token gestures is over. The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve a healthcare system that is humane, efficient, and accountable. It’s not just a matter of policy—it’s a matter of life and death.
(The Author is a former Trade union leader, a columnist, TV debater.)
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